Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds, Shloka 3

Devanagari script

दक्षिणावलयः कालः स्थानमाचार्य एव च द्रव्याणि कानि शस्तानि सर्वमाचक्ष्व तत्त्वतः //

Transliteration

dakṣiṇāvalayaḥ kālaḥ sthānamācārya eva ca dravyāṇi kāni śastāni sarvamācakṣva tattvataḥ //

Translation

Erkläre mir der Wahrheit gemäß: die rechte Zeit (einschließlich des Rechtsumgangs, also im Uhrzeigersinn), den passenden Ort, den qualifizierten Ācārya und welche Materialien zu empfehlen sind — berichte alles in voller Ausführlichkeit.

Word by Word

• दक्षिणावलयः: clockwise movement/keeping the right side (dakṣiṇāvarta) as an auspicious procedure

• कालः: time, auspicious timing

• स्थानम्: place, site (for the rite/construction)

• आचार्यः: preceptor, officiating master (ritual/architectural authority)

• एव: indeed, precisely

• च: and

• द्रव्याणि: substances, materials

• कानि: which (ones)

• शस्तानि: approved, commendable, prescribed

• सर्वम्: all, everything

• आचक्ष्व: explain, tell, describe

• तत्त्वतः: truly, correctly, according to principles.

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (questioning Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Ācārya

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Procedure
• Auspicious Timing
• Site Selection
• Materials

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a procedural request focused on auspicious timing, correct orientation (clockwise rite), proper site, competent officiant, and suitable materials.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It reflects the duty to act through śāstric procedure—selecting the right time, place, qualified teacher, and proper resources before beginning public works, consecrations, or household rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights core Vāstu/ritual prerequisites: auspicious timing, site suitability, reliance on a competent ācārya (often the sthapati/ritvik authority), and the use of approved materials—along with clockwise (dakṣiṇāvarta) auspicious conduct.